The Portuguese football star, Cristiano Ronaldo, finds himself embroiled in a whirlwind of controversy as the bodyguard of the striker, currently representing Al Nassr FC, is under investigation for allegations of money laundering.
The aspiration to clinch the AFC Champions League 2023/24 title by forward Cristiano Ronaldo has evaporated into thin air. Despite considerable efforts, Ronaldo couldn’t assist Al Nassr in overcoming Al Ain in the quarterfinals of this year’s AFC Champions League. Not only facing defeat on the field, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also grappling with backstage turmoil.
According to recent reports in A Bola, Goncalo Salgado, Ronaldo’s bodyguard, is currently being investigated by Brazilian authorities for money laundering charges. Salgado, originally from a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) background, stands tall at 1.90 meters and weighs 140 kilograms. He is known for ruthlessly defeating opponents with his formidable fighting skills in every match.
Salgado previously competed in the X-Impact World Cup in 2007, winning five consecutive matches before succumbing to defeat at the hands of fighter Zhao Zilong. He also competed in various countries including Italy, South Korea, Belgium, and Switzerland before retiring in 2014. Due to his impressive fighting record, Salgado earned the opportunity to become Ronaldo’s bodyguard.
Apart from serving as a bodyguard for the forward representing Al Nassr FC, Goncalo Salgado is also the CEO of a security services company named Anthea. However, Salgado is currently entangled in allegations of tax fraud and money laundering in a case related to horse racing business in Brazil.
According to Brazilian prosecutors, Salgado and some partners invested in purebred Lusitanian horses, one of the most valuable horse breeds globally. Specifically, a purebred Lusitanian horse has a starting price ranging from 7,000 to 11,000 euros. If the horse has won races such as the Olympics, its value could soar into millions of euros.
During the investigation, prosecutors suspect the source of funds from some investors. There is even information suggesting that investing in purebred Lusitanian horses by Ronaldo’s bodyguard might merely serve as a facade for money laundering activities. Consequently, Salgado has become a target of Brazilian authorities.
Ronaldo himself is implicated due to his association with his bodyguard. Brazilian authorities haven’t ruled out the possibility of summoning Ronaldo as a witness in the case related to Salgado. Amidst these controversies, Ronaldo’s representatives assert that the Portuguese star is willing to cooperate with Brazil to clarify the situation. With these developments, Ronaldo may find himself unnecessarily entangled in troubles brought about by his trusted bodyguard.